U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Washington, DC 20520 Consular Information Sheet

Bhutan

November 14, 2003

 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Bhutan is a small land-locked Himalayan country led by a king, and is in transition to a constitutional monarchy. Facilities for tourism are limited. There is no U.S. diplomatic or consular presence in Bhutan . The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi handles all assistance to U.S. citizens.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Independent travel is not permitted. Further information cam be obtained through the Department of Tourism, P.O. Box 126 , Thimphu , Bhutan, telephone (975) 2-32351, 2-32352; fax (975) 2-323695 or at www.tourism.gov.bt. Entry is available only via India , Bangladesh , Nepal , and Thailand . The border with China is closed.

Visitors to Bhutan are required to book travel through a registered tour operator in Bhutan . This can be done directly or through a travel agent abroad. The minimum daily tariff is set by the Department of Tourism, Bhutan and cannot be negotiated. The rate includes all accommodations, all meals, transportation, services of licensed guides and porters, and cultural programs where and when available. The rate is the same for both cultural tours and treks. The only carrier servicing Bhutan is Druk Air, the Bhutanese government airline. Corporate headquarters address: Druk Air Corporation Ltd., P.O. Box 209 , Thimphu , Bhutan . Further information is also available at www.drukair.com.bt. Druk Air will board only travelers with visa clearance from the Tourism Authority of Bhutan.

A passport and visa are required for entry into and exit from Bhutan . Most visitors, including those on official U.S. government business, should obtain visas prior to entering the country.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian.

For additional entry/exit information, please contact the Bhutan Mission to the United Nations (Consul General), 763 First Avenue , New York , NY 10017 , telephone (212)682-2268, fax (212)661-0551.

Safety and security : For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

The Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

CRIME INFORMATION: There is relatively little crime in Bhutan . Petty crime, such as pick pocketing and purse snatching, is occasionally reported. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to the local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets, “ A Safe Trip Abroad” and “ Tips for Travelers to South Asia ,” for ways to help ensure a trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington , D.C. 20402 , via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities in the populated areas in Bhutan are available but may be limited or unavailable in rural areas. Medical services may not meet Western standards. Some medicine is in short supply. Emergency medical services are provided free of charge to all tourists.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States . However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, U.S. citizens should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad , available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov or auto fax: (202) 647-3000.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP

(1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel . For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en . Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith .

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States . The information below concerning Bhutan is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Safety of Public Transportation: Not Applicable (Tourists pay a set fee per day, which includes supplied transportation).

Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good

Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor

Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Although Bhutan 's road network is not extensive, reasonably well-maintained, paved, two-lane roads connect principal sites likely to be visited by travelers. Traffic is rarely heavy, but sharp curves, narrow lanes, and limited visibility in mountainous terrain make traveling slow and potentially hazardous. Reduced speeds and special caution are advisable.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html . For specific information concerning transportation in Bhutan refer to the Bhutanese Department of T ourism's website via the Internet at http://www.tourism.gov.bt/ or the Bhutan Ministry of Trade and Industry's website at http://www.kingdomofbhutan.com/.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service between the United States and Bhutan , the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Bhutan 's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at telephone 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa .

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at telephone (618) 229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Bhutan customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Bhutan of items such as firearms, ammunition, explosives and military stores; narcotics and drugs (except medically prescribed drugs); wildlife products, especially those of endangered species; and antiques. It is advisable to contact the Bhutan Mission to the United Nations (Consul General), 763 First Avenue , New York , NY 10017 , telephone

(212) 682-2268, fax (212)661-0551, for specific information regarding customs requirements.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than penalties for similar offenses in the United States . Persons violating Bhutan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession of, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Visitors are advised to carry cash or travelers checks, since credit cards are not widely accepted in Bhutan . Druk Air, the only carrier servicing Bhutan , has rigid restrictions on the amount and size of luggage passengers may carry into the country. Passengers are advised to book bulky items ahead as unaccompanied baggage, since the aircraft servicing Bhutan have limited space available for large bags, and airline employees may not load large pieces of luggage. Flights into Paro Airport are restricted to daylight hours and are dependent on weather. Flights are sometimes delayed or cancelled. Passengers are advised to allow at least 24 hours transit time for connecting flights from Paro Airport and to travel on non-restricted air tickets so that they can be rebooked on the first available air carrier if a connecting flight is missed.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Bhutan has occasional earthquakes. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone the Overseas Citizens Services (OCS) call center at 1-888-407-4747. The OCS call center can answer general inquiries regarding international adoptions and abductions and will forward calls to the appropriate country officer in the Bureau of Consular Affairs. This number is available from

8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

 EMBASSY LOCATION AND REGISTRATION: There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Bhutan . Although no formal diplomatic relations exist between the United States and Bhutan , informal contact is maintained through the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi . Updated information on travel and security in Bhutan may be obtained at any U.S. Consulate or Embassy in India or Bangladesh . U.S. citizens living in or visiting Bhutan are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi . They may also obtain assistance from the U.S. Consulates in India or, to a more limited degree, from the U.S. Embassies in Dhaka , Bangladesh or Kathmandu , Nepal .

--The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri 110021, telephone (91)(11)2419-8000, fax:(91)(11)2419-0017. The Embassy's Internet home page address is http://usembassy.state.gov/delhi.html

--The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai(Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone (91)(22)2363-3611; fax: (91) (22) 2363-0350. Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov

--The U.S. Consulate General in Calcutta (Kolkata) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071, telephone (91)(033)2282-3611 through 2282-3615; fax: (91)(33)2282-2335. The Internet home page address is http://calcutta.usconsulate.gov

--The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai( Madras )is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle , 600006, telephone (91)(44)2811-2000; fax: (91)(44)2811-2027. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov

--The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Ave, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212, telephone (880) (2) 885-5500, fax (880)(2) 882-3744. The Internet home page address is http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/.

--The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is located at Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu , telephone (977)(1)4411179; fax(977)(1)4419963. The Internet home page address is http://www.south-asia.com/usa/.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 7, 2002 , to amend the sections on entry/exit requirements, crime information, medical facilities, other health information, traffic safety and road conditions, customs regulations, children's issues and to update telephone numbers and addresses for the U.S. Embassies in New Delhi and Kathmandu and the U.S. Consulates in Mumbai, Calcutta , and Chennai.

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